The Andhra Pradesh government has invited French technology major Capgemini to establish an IT development centre and a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Visakhapatnam, a move that could potentially generate around 20,000 jobs.

State IT Minister Nara Lokesh held discussions with Capgemini chief executive Aiman Ezzat in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, exploring investment and expansion opportunities for the company in the state.

"Inviting Capgemini to expand its presence. The minister (Lokesh) urged the company to establish an IT development centre and a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Visakhapatnam with the potential to generate around 20,000 jobs," an official release said.

Push for emerging technologies

Lokesh also encouraged the technology firm to set up service centres focusing on cloud services and the Business Process Management (BPM) verticals in the state.

As part of the discussions, the minister invited Capgemini to collaborate with universities in Andhra Pradesh as a co-development partner to establish emerging technology laboratories. These labs would focus on areas such as Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital development and building a strong digital talent pipeline.

Lokesh further urged the company to consider setting up a dedicated quantum computing vertical and collaborate with global technology partners to support enterprise customers in areas such as optimisation, financial services and sustainability.

He also invited Capgemini to contribute to the development of the proposed Quantum Valley initiative in Andhra Pradesh.

Responding to the proposal, Ezzat said Capgemini, which employs about 3.4 lakh people globally and nearly two lakh in India, would examine the suggestions made by the Andhra Pradesh government.

Vizag emerging as tech hub

Lokesh told the company’s executives that Visakhapatnam is rapidly emerging as a key IT and data centre hub. He pointed out that work on a Google data centre is expected to begin soon in the port city.

He also highlighted that the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport, likely to be inaugurated within three months, will further strengthen the city’s connectivity and investment prospects.

(With inputs from PTI)